Rebel Heart (Chapter One, page 1 of 9)

United States, 2135 AD Lana cracked an eye open wide enough to see it was too early for her alarm to sound. The buzzing continued, and she pushed herself up on one elbow. She focused on the dim light of her microcomputer acting as a page marker in the antique book on her nightstand. She touched the subcutaneous communications implant behind her right ear, which activated the communications net, and rolled onto her back.

"Hello?" she murmured.

"Mornin', sunshine. I need you to get up now."

"Mr. Tim?" At the familiar voice and stiff order, she struggled into a sitting position.

"This would be the first time you remembered by net number," she said.

"I remember when it's important enough."

Amused, Lana tossed off her coverlet. She padded towards her desk, where the Undersecretary of Domestic Security's electronic records were maintained within a secured, portable vault the size of her hand.

"Who do you need to contact?" she asked.

"No one yet, but bring my vault with you."

"Yes, sir."

"Now."

Lana suppressed a sigh.

"You know what to do in emergencies?" Mr. Tim's voice was low and quiet.